What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation Dentistry often referred to as ‘Sleep Dentistry’ uses medication to calm or relax an individual during dental procedures. The sedatives or medication provide increased comfort and allows the patient to relax by removing their phobias and fear. It also helps to control the gag reflex and improves co operation from the patient. The type of sedatives used varies from individual to individual. It could either be a minimal sedation wherein you are awake but relaxed to general anesthesia where you are completely unconscious. You could also be moderately sedated wherein you slur your words when speaking or deeply sedated where you are on the edge of consciousness. Dental sedation could be administered orally (oral sedation such as anti –anxiety pills or liquid), inhaled (inhalation sedation such as ‘laughing gas’) or injected into the blood stream (intravenous). Your dental care provider can suggest the best possible method suitable for you.